Brown to lead Scots against All Blacks

Scotland coach Andy Robinson has named Kelly Brown, pictured in 2011, as captain for the November Tests, starting against world champions New Zealand.

Scotland coach Andy Robinson has named Kelly Brown as captain for the November Tests, starting against world champions New Zealand.

Robinson confirmed Saracens back-row forward Brown will replace Edinburgh hooker Ross Ford as skipper when the All Blacks visit Edinburgh on November 11 as part of their end of year tour.

It is the perfect way for the 30-year-old to mark his 50th cap for Scotland after he was in line for the role earlier this year before a broken ankle forced him to miss the Six Nations and subsequent matches against Australia, Fiji and Samoa.

Brown, who can play number eight or blindside flanker, will become Scotland’s fifth captain in two years and Robinson said: “Kelly Brown is an inspirational person. He has an aura, confidence and belief about him and a firm understanding of the game.

“He has been a very consistent performer for Scotland. It’s because of these qualities that he has been appointed Scotland captain.”

Robinson also praised Ford, who is in line to win his 62nd cap a week on Sunday.

“I would like to congratulate Ross Ford in the way he has handled himself as captain of the side but also in respect of Kelly taking over,” Robinson added.

Brown’s most recent Test appearance was in the Rugby World Cup defeat to Argentina in September 2011 and he can’t wait to get back in action against the All Blacks.

“It’s obviously a huge honour and though I haven’t played for Scotland for a while I’m really looking forward to the challenges ahead,” Brown said.

“On the flight up, it was like Christmas. It’s been so long since I’ve actually played for Scotland so I’m really, really looking forward to that.

“And we’re playing against the best side in the world so it’s a massive, massive challenge but one, I’m sure, we’ll thrive on.”